Velier Isautier Hors d’âge Agricole 2005

This is Velier's bottling of an aged Isautier from Reunion, a single cask drawn from 2005 and matured sixteen years before being released at full, uncut strength. Made from fresh cane juice rather than molasses, it is an agricole in the wider sense from outside the Martinique AOC, so the cane juice lineage stands without the protected term. At 65% it is uncompromising, a rum built for drinkers who want serious intensity.

Long tropical ageing in Ex-Bourbon casks has concentrated it deeply, layering the fresh, grassy cane base with pear, apricot and citrus fruit, roasted notes, baking spice and assertive oak. The palate is dry and woody with burnt sugar, and the finish carries dark chocolate and a roasted, barrel edge. Water helps tame the proof and unfurl the fruit. For those who enjoy aged agricoles at high proof or drier, structured rums and want more grass, fruit and spice, this is a substantial step up in power and depth.